Margate-based Beeping Bush Productions has brought back its exciting comedy shorts competition for a third year.

Filmmakers, comedians and writers have to produce a comedy short in only 48 hours. Showcased to a public audience, and competing for prizes, judged by a panel that include Time Out’s comedy editor Tim Arthur, television and radio comedy writer Jon Holmes and University of Kent’s Dr Oliver Double.

Beeping Bush’s Mick Etherton said: “We want filmmakers and comedians to tickle the audience’s funny bone with short films or sketches, stand-up or improvisation routines, of no more than five minutes in length. It's a rare and free opportunity for comedians and filmmakers alike to actually see how an audience reacts to their work in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere."

With more than 300 downloads for this year’s competition brief already, the deadline for the 2010 competition film entries is March 3.